Wearable technology adoption and an ageing population are rising rapidly
According to the National Library of Medicine, 30% of Americans use wearable medical technology. Globally, the wearable technology market was valued at USD 61.30 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.6% to reach USD 186.14 billion by 2030.
A concurrent population trend is happening worldwide: the world is ageing. By 2030, the number of elderly people will outnumber the number of young people (aged 5-24).
Enhanced ageing in place
While the global numbers are startling, they are most pronounced in markets like Europe, where 30% of the population will be over 65 by 2030. This means that there will be less human capital to service a growing population. Significantly, the “dependency ratio” in Europe of people 65 and above compared to the number of people of working age (15-64) is projected to grow from 32 in 2021 to 57 by 2100.
Residential care will be an element in servicing this population, but it cannot hope to serve this size of population. The lion’s share of the work will fall to in-home care, sometimes called “ageing in place.”
Singapore's SHINESeniors project is a pioneer in this space. Established in 2014 and attaining even greater significance during the pandemic, this groundbreaking initiative incorporated sensor-based monitoring into a community care environment to support ageing-in-place.
Using wearable sensors, the system collected data on residents’ activities and health metrics, which caregivers could monitor remotely. This enabled early detection of potential issues and ensured timely intervention, allowing seniors to maintain independence in their homes.
Proactive care, even with limited resources
Among the many exciting opportunities digital wearable technology provides is proactive care, including predictive and mobile early detection, especially when resources are limited.
The iCare Health Monitor android app focuses on stroke identification and prevention amongst stroke survivors. A 2022 study in Nigeria found that it was a reliable, low-cost way of assessing blood pressure and pulse rate, key data points in stroke prevention and management.
Even at 40,000 feet in the air, where Wi-Fi and connectivity access can be challenging, MedAire’s technology collaboration with JOURNEY means that patients aboard aircraft with the technology have 24/7 access to medical experts and best-practice health interventions.
Privacy by design
As wearable adoption grows, privacy and data security become paramount for ethical and legal reasons. The EU’s GDPR is a leader, but legal regulations continue to strengthen in all markets. This necessitates "privacy by design" approaches, ensuring data collection is transparent and consent-based. This includes clear opt-in processes, data minimisation practices, and secure data storage systems that meet healthcare privacy standards.
Higher expectations of the Wellderly
As we explore this digital frontier, it’s clear that aged care is at a pivotal moment. Today’s elderly residents are already benefiting from technology like Ryman Healthcare’s MyRyman app, which has had to overcome the challenge of limited tech experience among current residents.
The Wellderly, more discerning, tech-savvy over-65s of the future will have entirely different expectations. Think about the eras the over-65s of 2030 will have experienced: rapid digital transformation from the 1970s technology in their tens and teens through to the mass smartphone adoption of today.
They’ll expect seamless digital integration, from wearables that enhance their health to tech that makes their living environments more convenient and personalised.
A vision for you
At the core of the wearables revolution is the ability to collect real-time health data, providing previously inaccessible insights. For older adults, this means fewer disruptions to their daily lives and more peace of mind. For healthcare providers, it means being able to proactively and reactively respond to real-time health markers. For carers, it means being able to tailor support and help their clients achieve a free, rich, and fulfilling lifestyle.
My team at JOURNEY is a leader in digital healthcare and aged care innovations, using our Solve & Evolve™ methodology. We'd love to chat with you if you’re exploring your next steps with wearable technology.
Wearable technology adoption and an ageing population are rising rapidly
According to the National Library of Medicine, 30% of Americans use wearable medical technology. Globally, the wearable technology market was valued at USD 61.30 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.6% to reach USD 186.14 billion by 2030.
A concurrent population trend is happening worldwide: the world is ageing. By 2030, the number of elderly people will outnumber the number of young people (aged 5-24).
Enhanced ageing in place
While the global numbers are startling, they are most pronounced in markets like Europe, where 30% of the population will be over 65 by 2030. This means that there will be less human capital to service a growing population. Significantly, the “dependency ratio” in Europe of people 65 and above compared to the number of people of working age (15-64) is projected to grow from 32 in 2021 to 57 by 2100.
Residential care will be an element in servicing this population, but it cannot hope to serve this size of population. The lion’s share of the work will fall to in-home care, sometimes called “ageing in place.”
Singapore's SHINESeniors project is a pioneer in this space. Established in 2014 and attaining even greater significance during the pandemic, this groundbreaking initiative incorporated sensor-based monitoring into a community care environment to support ageing-in-place.
Using wearable sensors, the system collected data on residents’ activities and health metrics, which caregivers could monitor remotely. This enabled early detection of potential issues and ensured timely intervention, allowing seniors to maintain independence in their homes.
Proactive care, even with limited resources
Among the many exciting opportunities digital wearable technology provides is proactive care, including predictive and mobile early detection, especially when resources are limited.
The iCare Health Monitor android app focuses on stroke identification and prevention amongst stroke survivors. A 2022 study in Nigeria found that it was a reliable, low-cost way of assessing blood pressure and pulse rate, key data points in stroke prevention and management.
Even at 40,000 feet in the air, where Wi-Fi and connectivity access can be challenging, MedAire’s technology collaboration with JOURNEY means that patients aboard aircraft with the technology have 24/7 access to medical experts and best-practice health interventions.
Privacy by design
As wearable adoption grows, privacy and data security become paramount for ethical and legal reasons. The EU’s GDPR is a leader, but legal regulations continue to strengthen in all markets. This necessitates "privacy by design" approaches, ensuring data collection is transparent and consent-based. This includes clear opt-in processes, data minimisation practices, and secure data storage systems that meet healthcare privacy standards.
Higher expectations of the Wellderly
As we explore this digital frontier, it’s clear that aged care is at a pivotal moment. Today’s elderly residents are already benefiting from technology like Ryman Healthcare’s MyRyman app, which has had to overcome the challenge of limited tech experience among current residents.
The Wellderly, more discerning, tech-savvy over-65s of the future will have entirely different expectations. Think about the eras the over-65s of 2030 will have experienced: rapid digital transformation from the 1970s technology in their tens and teens through to the mass smartphone adoption of today.
They’ll expect seamless digital integration, from wearables that enhance their health to tech that makes their living environments more convenient and personalised.
A vision for you
At the core of the wearables revolution is the ability to collect real-time health data, providing previously inaccessible insights. For older adults, this means fewer disruptions to their daily lives and more peace of mind. For healthcare providers, it means being able to proactively and reactively respond to real-time health markers. For carers, it means being able to tailor support and help their clients achieve a free, rich, and fulfilling lifestyle.
My team at JOURNEY is a leader in digital healthcare and aged care innovations, using our Solve & Evolve™ methodology. We'd love to chat with you if you’re exploring your next steps with wearable technology.
Wearable technology adoption and an ageing population are rising rapidly
According to the National Library of Medicine, 30% of Americans use wearable medical technology. Globally, the wearable technology market was valued at USD 61.30 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.6% to reach USD 186.14 billion by 2030.
A concurrent population trend is happening worldwide: the world is ageing. By 2030, the number of elderly people will outnumber the number of young people (aged 5-24).
Enhanced ageing in place
While the global numbers are startling, they are most pronounced in markets like Europe, where 30% of the population will be over 65 by 2030. This means that there will be less human capital to service a growing population. Significantly, the “dependency ratio” in Europe of people 65 and above compared to the number of people of working age (15-64) is projected to grow from 32 in 2021 to 57 by 2100.
Residential care will be an element in servicing this population, but it cannot hope to serve this size of population. The lion’s share of the work will fall to in-home care, sometimes called “ageing in place.”
Singapore's SHINESeniors project is a pioneer in this space. Established in 2014 and attaining even greater significance during the pandemic, this groundbreaking initiative incorporated sensor-based monitoring into a community care environment to support ageing-in-place.
Using wearable sensors, the system collected data on residents’ activities and health metrics, which caregivers could monitor remotely. This enabled early detection of potential issues and ensured timely intervention, allowing seniors to maintain independence in their homes.
Proactive care, even with limited resources
Among the many exciting opportunities digital wearable technology provides is proactive care, including predictive and mobile early detection, especially when resources are limited.
The iCare Health Monitor android app focuses on stroke identification and prevention amongst stroke survivors. A 2022 study in Nigeria found that it was a reliable, low-cost way of assessing blood pressure and pulse rate, key data points in stroke prevention and management.
Even at 40,000 feet in the air, where Wi-Fi and connectivity access can be challenging, MedAire’s technology collaboration with JOURNEY means that patients aboard aircraft with the technology have 24/7 access to medical experts and best-practice health interventions.
Privacy by design
As wearable adoption grows, privacy and data security become paramount for ethical and legal reasons. The EU’s GDPR is a leader, but legal regulations continue to strengthen in all markets. This necessitates "privacy by design" approaches, ensuring data collection is transparent and consent-based. This includes clear opt-in processes, data minimisation practices, and secure data storage systems that meet healthcare privacy standards.
Higher expectations of the Wellderly
As we explore this digital frontier, it’s clear that aged care is at a pivotal moment. Today’s elderly residents are already benefiting from technology like Ryman Healthcare’s MyRyman app, which has had to overcome the challenge of limited tech experience among current residents.
The Wellderly, more discerning, tech-savvy over-65s of the future will have entirely different expectations. Think about the eras the over-65s of 2030 will have experienced: rapid digital transformation from the 1970s technology in their tens and teens through to the mass smartphone adoption of today.
They’ll expect seamless digital integration, from wearables that enhance their health to tech that makes their living environments more convenient and personalised.
A vision for you
At the core of the wearables revolution is the ability to collect real-time health data, providing previously inaccessible insights. For older adults, this means fewer disruptions to their daily lives and more peace of mind. For healthcare providers, it means being able to proactively and reactively respond to real-time health markers. For carers, it means being able to tailor support and help their clients achieve a free, rich, and fulfilling lifestyle.
My team at JOURNEY is a leader in digital healthcare and aged care innovations, using our Solve & Evolve™ methodology. We'd love to chat with you if you’re exploring your next steps with wearable technology.
